Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe.

Bunions form when your big toe pushes against your next toe, and the misalignment causes the big toe bone to point outward and rotate. Because of this, the skin on the outer edge of the joint might be red and sore.

Bunions are a progressive deformity and are oftentimes painful. A less common, smaller bunion (bunionette or a tailor’s bunion) can develop on the joint of your little toe. Wearing tight shoes can cause bunions or make them worse, though bunions can also develop as a result of the shape of your foot or your gait.

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A bunion is a bulging bump on the outside base of your big toe.

Bunions usually develop as you age and most commonly affect women. The condition is termed hallux valgus in the medical field. When you have a bunion, you may experience swelling or soreness around the joint of your big toe and symptoms can be aggravated by poorly-fitting shoes. The skin over the bunion might be red and sore and the development of corns or calluses as well. 

Another type of bunion, the tailor’s bunion, is a bulging bump on the outside of your little toe. The same things that are experienced with a hallux valgus can also be experienced with a tailor’s bunion, just in a different area of the foot. Those who have both types of bunions in the same foot may experience a very difficult time finding shoes that fit and do not cause further pain.

Heredity

A common cause of bunions is genetics. Oftentimes people inherit feet that are more likely to develop bunions due to their shape and structure. Bunions themselves are not inherited, but some foot shapes and gait types are more predisposed than others to develop bunions.

Habits/Injury

Poor habits or an injury in combination with poorly fitting shoes can also cause bunions. In the case of tailor’s bunions, they were frequently found in the feet of tailors because they would sit cross-legged on the floor to do their work which caused the bunionette to form in the area of the little toe.

Tight, Narrow Shoes

Wearing tight, narrow shoes might cause bunions or make them worse. High heels which force your toes into the front of your shoes thus crowding your toes, have caused painful bunions for many women.

Limb-length Discrepancies

Other conditions that may cause bunions are limb-length discrepancies in which one leg is shorter than the other. The bunion will develop on the foot of the longer leg because of compensated gait. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints that can also make you more susceptible to bunions.

Because tight or poorly fitting shoes are a common cause of bunions, it is important that your shoes fit correctly. In general, aim for shoes with a wide toebox and are roomy for your toes. Avoid shoes that are too short, tight, or sharply pointed.